The CPMR Islands Commission represent 23 island member-regions. Minister Refalo noted with pleasure that Gozo is hosting this important event.

The Ministry for Gozo has been an active member in this group for a number of years. “We strongly believe in its mission to ensure that the European Union institutions and Member States take into account in their public policies, the specific needs and issues faced by island territories as a result of their insularity,” said Minister Refalo.

Over the years, the CPMR Islands Commission has continued to build on its expertise on island matters and has managed to extend its network, making it a unique and effective means through which islands can formulate their views and put forward their case to decision makers.

In his brief introduction, Minister Refalo emphasised two key points. The need to continue highlighting the peculiar circumstances of islands , and the need to continuing updating priorities given the dynamic environment.

Minister Refalo pointed out that “whilst sticking to our principles, we require a degree of adaptability to regularly adjust our short and medium term objectives and respond more quickly to crises. Our objectives need to be formulated clearly. Even if we share a lot, we are still not perfectly homogeneous. We need to built on shared realities.”

Anton Refalo noted that an increasing number of issues cannot be addressed unilaterally. “Climate change and immigration are just two examples. In a world where borders are becoming more porous, regions must use all of their soft power to drive their agenda, build networks and have a say in institutions in order to address shared challenges and opportunities.”

He stressed that policy makers need to have a vision and achieve such vision. Think globally, acting locally while having the appropriate tools.

The Minister for Gozo voiced his pride that Malta is holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. “Such an occurrence provides strong evidence that size neither dictates, or is barrier to one’s potential. It shows that being small can also mean being highly adaptable and adaptability is an essential quality for entrepreneurship and development.”

“A spirit of entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic growth and job creation. It creates new companies and jobs, opens up new markets, nurture new skills and capabilities and makes economies more competitive and innovative,” said Dr Refalo.

He continued by saying that “islands and other peripheral areas face particular challenges in this regard but can also offer many opportunities for enterprise development based on their natural and cultural resources. This can be achieved by empowering youths and while providing a conducive environment , help in developing of ideas.”

Referring to Gozo, the Minister highlighted that Gozo’s strengths are its resilience, its hardworking workforce, its ability to re-invent itself and make the most of limited resources. “Such fills us with great courage to continue working to get more positive results and pass on our enthusiasm you all during this event,” concluded the Minster for Gozo.

During his address, Dr Borg outlined the main issues that will be dominating Malta’s Presidency of the EU Council and explained that although we are an ambitious Presidency, we will be realistic.

As regards the Cohesion policy, Dr Borg stated that the objectives of the Presidency is to continue to advance on the legislative work that is currently ongoing at the technical level, specifically to the European Structural and Investment Funds provisions of the OMNIBUS regulation where Malta is hopeful to achieve good progress.

Dr Borg explained that there is also another legislation which is being discussed and which the Presidency is optimistic it will succeed to close. “The amendments will bring further simplification in the implementation framework for the shared management of EU funding and Malta is attaching a lot of importance to simplification and the impact it can have on beneficiaries, as well as the bodies implementing the programmes,” reiterated Dr Borg.

Parliamentary Secretary Borg also remarked that it was necessary to address the needs and aspirations of our citizens more effectively and in a timely fashion. Given the deficit that exists between “what we are actually doing” and the perception of citizens we feel that now, more than ever. Dr Borg said we should focus on bridging the gap between the Union and its citizens in a tangible manner.

“Cohesion Policy should remain an integral part of the EU Budget and remain an important tool to strengthen and support Member States’ potential and the success of the European project. We believe that Cohesion Policy can act as a forward looking policy which can address the future challenges faced by the Union and enable the development of innovative solutions,” concluded Dr Borg.